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The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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Chronic Ankle Instability (Recurring Ankle Sprains)
Chronic ankle instability is a condition where your ankle repeatedly 'gives way' or feels unstable, usually developing after one or more severe ankle sprains that didn't heal properly—you may experience your ankle rolling outward frequently (especially on uneven surfaces), swelling and pain after activities, and a constant feeling that your ankle might give out. Most cases improve with 3-6 months of physiotherapy focused on ankle strengthening and balance exercises, but if instability persists despite therapy, surgical ligament reconstruction using your own tissues provides 85-90% success in restoring ankle stability, with most patients returning to sports within 4-6 months after surgery.
📖What is Chronic Ankle Instability (Recurring Ankle Sprains)?
Chronic ankle instability is a condition where your ankle repeatedly 'gives way' or feels unstable, usually developing after one or more severe ankle sprains that didn't heal properly—you may experience your ankle rolling outward frequently (especially on uneven surfaces), swelling and pain after activities, and a constant feeling that your ankle might give out. Most cases improve with 3-6 months of physiotherapy focused on ankle strengthening and balance exercises, but if instability persists despite therapy, surgical ligament reconstruction using your own tissues provides 85-90% success in restoring ankle stability, with most patients returning to sports within 4-6 months after surgery.
🔬What Causes It?
- Previous moderate to severe ankle sprain that didn't heal properly (most common cause)
- Multiple repeated ankle sprains over time
- Inadequate rehabilitation after initial ankle sprain
- Return to sport too soon after ankle injury
- Naturally loose ligaments (ligamentous laxity)
⚠️Risk Factors
You may be at higher risk if:
- History of previous ankle sprains
- Sports involving jumping, cutting, pivoting (basketball, netball, soccer, volleyball)
- Walking or running on uneven terrain
- Poor ankle strength or balance
- High-arched foot (cavus foot)
- Generalized joint hypermobility
🛡️Prevention
- ✓Proper rehabilitation after initial ankle sprain (don't return to sport until full strength and stability restored)
- ✓Ankle strengthening exercises, especially if you have history of sprains
- ✓Balance and proprioception training (single-leg exercises, wobble board)
- ✓Wear ankle brace during high-risk sports if you have previous ankle injuries
- ✓Avoid walking or running on very uneven terrain until ankle is strong
- ✓Gradual return to sport with sport-specific training, not sudden return